By Jacob McDonald
50th Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - Sgt. Matt Lucatorta, a 4th Sustainment Brigade HEAT instructor, said the course educates service members on the danger of vehicle accidents and walks them through the steps they will need to take in case of an accident or rollover.
The course begins with safety instruction, safety videos and familiarizing servicemembers with the differences in driving an up-armored HMMWV.
"We go over the steps several times on what they need to do once they are inside the vehicle, how to get outside and what to do once they [are] outside the vehicle."
Lucatorta said. "Then we bring them over to the simulator. We simulate critical angles to show how far a HMMWV will go before it rolls over. Then we simulate a rollover and have them [get outside]."
Participants in the class say they feel the training was relevant and would help if they were caught in a rollover.
"The training was outstanding," said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jobe, 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air and Missile Defense Regiment, a native of Burlington, N.C. "It gives a good idea of what to expect if this does happen. The instructors are very well qualified and informed on the material."
Lucatorta said previous students have told the instructors how the training helped them get out of a potentially bad situation.
"I know Soldiers are leaving the class with good knowledge," said the Palo Cedro, Calif., native. "We just had a rollover on one of the ranges. [The Soldiers involved] had been through the class and they said [the training] helped them.
"We hear back from Soldiers," Lucatorta said. "They take the time to write us or e-mail us and let us know they were involved in an accident, and that the training helped save their lives; helped them calm down, keep control and get out fine."
Lucatorta said he feels the training he provides to Soldiers going into Iraq adds to the success of the mission.
"[The training] minimizes injuries and potential casualties," he said. "I feel like I am contributing to saving Soldiers' lives."